Reid Park Zoo Expanding, Adding Nine New Major Habitats

An expansion for Reid Park Zoo in Tucson has been in the works for years, and construction will begin soon.

Nancy Kluge, President and CEO of the Reid Park Zoo, stated, "It’s part of a ten year master plan that was put in place after the voters passed propositions to fund that master plan as well as operations for Reid Park Zoo in 2017."

The latest expansion is called "Pathway to Asia."

According to Kluge, the 3.5-acre expansion is going to allow for nine new major habitats.

She said, "A big centerpiece of that is for Tigers."

According to Kluge, the Malayan Tigers habitat will be five times the size of the previous one.

In addition, the expansion will allow for zoo officials to also help with endangered species.

She said, "Along with that will be our commitment to organizations that protect these animals in the wild, which is a key part of what we do."

There will be a reptile house and a bird feeding exhibit included in the expansion.

Kluge says the expansion is about helping visitors connect to wildlife from different regions of the world. "It’s really about connected people to the amazing wildlife that is in Asia," she said.

Construction is set to begin early next year and be completed by 2023.

Photo: Getty Images

Source: KGUN 9